Japan's digital-transparency law to remain key for fair platform practices, METI official says

By Sachiko Sakamaki and Jeyup S. Kwaak ( October 30, 2025, 06:52 GMT | Insight) -- Despite some criticism that Japan’s digital-transparency law regulating the dealings of large online-platform operators with business customers is “toothless,” a government official told MLex that the legislation will continue to play an important role in the country’s digital markets, with necessary updates and possible expansion of its coverage. In a recent interview, Suguru Iwaya, director the digital market policy office at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, said the ministry is considering expanding the law’s scope and updating implementation rules to keep pace with digital-market developments.Despite some criticism that Japan’s digital-transparency law regulating the dealings of large online-platform operators with business customers is “toothless,” a government official told MLex that the legislation will continue to play an important role in the country’s digital markets, with necessary updates and possible expansion of its coverage....